A CHARITY for elderly people is encouraging Harrow residents to spend some time with their isolated neighbours this weekend.

Contact the Elderly – a charity that aims to tackle loneliness amongst over-75s – is using Older People's Day on Saturday to try and increase awareness of the benefits of staying active in later life.

2011 is the fifth year that the Government has run Older People's Day, with events happening across the UK.

Contact the Elderly holds monthly tea parties in Harrow in a bid to help the elderly socialise and make friends.

Development Officer Isabella Wise said: “We know from almost 50 years of experience that our tea parties really do make a difference to the lives of older people.

“According to research among 1,000 of the elderly we support, 83 per cent now feel part of their community again, 85 per cent have befriended other older people in their groups and 86 per cent feel less lonely – all key benefits which Older People’s Day aims to promote.”

For more information, call 0208 445 1333 or email Ms Wise on izzy.wise@contact-the-elderly.org.uk